Direct payments (Children)

What are Direct Payments?

Direct Payments are where we provide the money for you to arrange your own care and support, instead of us providing the service for you.

Can I have Direct Payments?

You can have Direct Payments if your child is disabled and we have agreed that you need a service from us.

If you are disabled and aged 16-17 you can have the money paid direct to you.

There is a separate scheme for disabled adults.

What are the advantages of Direct Payments?

Flexibility and Choice – you will be able to have a more flexible service that meets your particular needs and circumstances.

Control – as a young person or parent you will have more control over:

• when you get the service
• how you get the service
• who provides the service

Do I have to have Direct Payments?

No. You can have a service from Nottinghamshire County Council if you prefer.

What can I use a Direct Payment for?

Services – for example Home Care, Befriender or Short Breaks services

Equipment – for example a hoist. (You need to talk to your Occupational Therapist rather than your Social Worker about this)

Are there any other conditions with Direct Payments?

To receive a direct payment you must:

• spend the money on the services and equipment that we have agreed we would provide following an assessment.
• be able to keep account of the money. You can have some help with this if you need it
• agree to show us what you have spent the money on
• spend the money only in ways that keep your child safe and well.

How do I get Direct Payments?

When you have had an assessment, talk to your Social Worker about having Direct Payments, rather than us providing the service.

Independent advice and help can be given by The Rowan Organisation.

What next?

Before you employ a carer, even if you already know them, you need to:

• ensure that they are suitable for the job
• arrange for a proper contract of employment.

Independent advice and help can be given by The Rowan Organisation.

Your Social Worker will tell you how much money you have available over a year.

Once you have someone to work for you, the money is paid to you in advance.

Your Social Worker will stay in touch to make sure that the service is working well.

We will review your Direct Payment each year to make sure it is still meeting your needs.

Contact information

The Rowan Organisation

Tele: 0800 783 1755

Fax: 01827 718 932

Minicom: 0800 917 8897

Email: info@therowan.org

Website: www.therowan.org

Further information

A detailed leaflet "Direct Payments for Children and Young People" contains more information. You can download a copy or order one to be sent to you from our publications list.

Standards of service

We have a page about the basic standards of service for all our services and a page about the standards for direct payments.